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College football best bets

BIG 12 WATCH

(Season 9-2; Against the Spread 7-4)

Kansas State (plus-161/2) at Nebraska, 6:45 p.m., ESPN (Cox cable 32)

With losses in all four of its previous road games, K-State will be hard-pressed to pull off an upset for the North Division title, even when logic dictates to expect the unexpected in the Big 12. Brandon Banks must provide a spark. Even then, the Cats need to grind behind Daniel Thomas, but they're going against a stout defensive front. Too stout. Nebraska 20, Kansas State 10.

NATIONAL WATCH

(Season 7-4; ATS 3-8)

#9 Ohio State (minus-12) at Michigan11 a.m., KTKA 49.1 (Cox cable 9)

What's worse for Michigan? Losing against Ohio State and finishing with back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1962-63, or springing an upset to qualify for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Detroit? This rivalry is really dipping, with the Buckeyes winning seven of the last eight. Skip this and watch something on Classic pitting Woody and Bo. Ohio State 31, Michigan 14.

The Sooners are coming off an impressive romp against Texas A&M, which untracked Landry Jones. The Oklahoma defense is also solid, with playmakers in each position group. But Texas Tech is formidable at home and quirky enough to pull off an upset. Mike Leach needs to settle on one quarterback, and the Tech receivers must excel. Texas Tech 35, Oklahoma 31.